Morsi inaugurated in Egypt

In this image released by the government, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi waves to guests Saturday after giving an inaugural address at Cairo University. Morsi promised a "new Egypt" and unwavering support to the military.

Photo: Mohammed Abd El-Maaty

CAIRO - Former Muslim Brotherhood member Mohammed Morsi was inaugurated Saturday as Egypt's first democratically elected civilian president in a day filled with pomp, promise and a push to assert authority over the country's military council.

Speaking in same hall where President Barack Obama called for democratic reforms in Egypt three years ago, Morsi repeatedly called on the military to return to its barracks, even as they constitutionally now control the parliament and all military matters.

The military council "has fulfilled their promise that they will never be a substitute for the people's will," he said in a 22-minute address at Cairo University. "And the elected institutes will return to their roles, and the armed forces will go back to the barracks."

Military staying put

Despite Morsi's demand, the ruling military council must constitutionally govern the state for several months, while the constitutional assembly drafts a permanent document and new parliamentary elections are held.

"When we see a constitution and an effective parliament running the country, we can say that the transitional period has ended," said Mustafa Kamel el Sayyed, a professor of political science at American University Cairo. "Until then, I don't think that Morsi has or will have any control, leadership or say over the military organization."

Morsi took the oath before the constitutional court whose ruling led to the dissolution of the parliament, the traditional site of Egypt's presidential inauguration.

"The formality of the day masked that this is an extended transition period," suggested Karim el Assir, an analyst at the independent Cairo-based Signet Institute, a Middle East think tank.

Morsi "has a mantle to gain more support," said Assir. "People will have to support him to oppose the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. But really the battles are the same."

After the inauguration, Morsi attended a ceremony where the generals listed their own accomplishments during the transitional period. In an important symbolic gesture, Field Marshall Tantawi, head of the military council, saluted the new president as he rose to speak.

Nods to both sides

Throughout the day, Morsi walked a fine line between the revolutionaries and Brotherhood members who ushered him into office and the establishment he must now work within.

He thanked the military and police at Cairo University even as relatives of those killed by security forces sat in the hall. Morsi also suggested several times that the parliament should be reinstated.

"Today, Egypt has paved the way for real life with freedom and real democracy. I respect the judiciary system and the legislative system and I will do my job to protect the independence of these authorities," he said shortly after taking the oath of office.

The first sign of Morsi's power could come as early as Sunday, when he is expected to announce his Cabinet.